Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Turkey, expressing Iran’s frustration over Turkey’s supposed support for Syrian rebels in Aleppo. Turkish officials denied the allegations and emphasized the need for genuine political dialogues in Syria. The meeting did not yield new initiatives, but discussions on organizing a trilateral summit with Russia were proposed, reflecting ongoing diplomatic efforts amid the escalating conflict.
The visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Turkey was marked by considerable tension as he voiced Iran’s discontent regarding Turkey’s alleged support for Syrian rebel forces attempting to capture Aleppo. Following a meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Araghchi, instead of delivering a diplomatic initiative, expressed Iran’s concerns, claiming betrayal by Turkey. He also emphasized Iran’s unwavering support for Assad’s regime, suggesting that troop deployment to Syria could be considered if requested by Damascus.
In response, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan countered these claims, denying any support to Syrian rebels. He criticized both Assad and Iran, noting that their lack of engagement in peace discussions was detrimental. Fidan insisted that attributing the conflict to foreign involvement oversimplified the situation, urging respect for the legitimate demands of opposition forces and highlighting the regime’s oppressive actions. He reiterated Turkey’s commitment to fostering dialogue between Damascus and opposition representatives.
Araghchi advocated for an urgent tripartite meeting involving Turkey, Iran, and Russia to address the ongoing conflict but lacked new initiatives to propose. The summit is anticipated to occur around the Doha Forum in Qatar, where significant diplomatic figures are to convene, aiming to identify pathways toward a resolution. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in a separate conversation, reaffirmed his government’s dedication to achieving peace through political discourse and urged the Syrian regime to engage in constructive dialogues to avert further deterioration of the situation.
The tensions between Iran and Turkey regarding the Syrian conflict are part of a broader geopolitical struggle in the region. Iran has been a staunch ally of the Assad regime, providing military and logistical support, while Turkey has been more aligned with opposition groups fighting against the Syrian government. The battle for Aleppo, a strategic city in northern Syria, has historically been critical to both opposition and regime forces. The recent surge of rebel offensives has prompted Iran to express frustration towards Turkey, accusing it of facilitating these attacks, hence complicating the already intricate situation in Syria.
In summary, the Iranian Foreign Minister’s visit to Turkey underscored the growing tensions between the two nations regarding the Syrian conflict. Araghchi’s accusations against Turkey were met with firm rebuttals from Turkish officials, who emphasized the importance of genuine political engagement for resolving the crisis. The proposed trilateral discussions with Russia indicate ongoing diplomatic efforts, reflecting the intricate dynamics at play in the region’s geopolitics regarding Syria.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
